MOTORISTS thinking of splashing out on sat-nav equipment for Christmas are being served with a festive warning - remove it or lose it!

Police across Warwickshire are trying to counter the huge number of thefts from cars fitted with the hi-tech gadgets.

Since the beginning of November an average of one system a day has been stolen from vehicles in Leamington and Rugby and the north of the county.

Officers fear the huge popularity of the gadget as a Christmas present will give thieves even more to target and are issuing 10,000 leaflets to retail outlets such as Halfords and Motorworld asking drivers not to leave the expensive equipment - which can cost hundreds of pounds - in their vehicles.

Officers have already visited major outlets in Warwick and Stratford districts which sell satellite navigation systems.

They have asked shopkeepers to give out a leaflet every time a system is purchased.

Police community support officers are also distributing leaflets to libraries and other community areas.

Warwickshire police community safety officer PC Nick Stephens said: "Sat-navs are one of the most common items stolen by the opportunist vehicle thief with laptops, radios and personal items also attracting the wrong attention.

"Any goods on dis-play are tempting to the thief and if the opportunity arises to steal, they'll take it and leave the owner with the inconvenience of repairing the damage and a possible increase in their insurance."

Thefts from vehicles account for more than half of all vehicle crime in Warwickshire.

Many such thefts happen overnight but surprisingly the majority of sat-nav thefts happen in the afternoon.

There are also more thefts from vehicles during the darker months.

According to the latest research, sat-nav sales have increased fivefold in the past two year, with British drivers spending a whopping #305 million on systems last year alone.

PC Stephens said: "Remove the system and the cradle when the car is parked. Don't hide the equipment in the car.

"Thieves search under seats, in the glove compartment - anywhere where goods might be hidden.